Visual language under the microscope
Posters, illustrations, animations, text, infographics, clothing, books, illuminated advertisements, videos … today, more than ever, we are surrounded by visual communication. We use pictures, gifs and emoji to express ourselves.
Are we ‘visually learned’ enough to consciously understand the increasing flow of images? You’ll find out starting April 22 in The Palace of Typographic Masonry in the Grote Kerk Breda.
In The Palace of Typographic Masonry designer Richard Niessen collects objects characteristic of visual communication. From signs to ornaments, from methods and techniques to the history and practice of graphic design.
“Out of fascination with graphic culture, I have created an imaginary Palace of Typographic Masonry. With this I want to capture all forms of visual communication through the ages. From the use of symbols to the invention of writing.”– Richard Niessen
The Palace of Typographic Masonry showcases the imagination of graphic designers. Nine departments are covered in this exhibition: Sign, Symbol, Ornament, Construction, Poetics, Play, Order, Craft and Practice.
Pop-up museum
To make the collection accessible to everyone, we developed a pop-up museum together with Richard Niessen, with an accompanying personal audio guide.
The exhibition includes work by well-known Dutch designers such as Karel Martens, Hansje van Halem, Wim Crouwel, Harmen Liemburg, Experimental Jetset, Thonik, Moniker and Irma Boom. In addition, designers Ott Metusala (EE), Farah Fayyed (LB), William Jacobson (SE), Edgar Walthert (CH), Benjamin McMillan (UK) and Åbäke (UK) created new work.
Photo: Graphic Days
Throughout the duration of the exhibition, there is much to do and experience. Immerse yourself in the design profession by exploring on your own or participate in these activities.
Tours
On Sundays you can explore The Palace with a guide. This guide will give a crash course in critical viewing and explain the themes and some of the special works. Tickets for the tour must be purchased online in advance. For (educational) groups, you can book a customized tour.
All young people are creators and users of visual communication. Our education program promotes visual literacy through 21st century skills. After participating, young people are able to analyze visual language, conduct visual research, make connections and reflect on them.
Bookings
Educational programs can be booked daily from Tuesday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Photo: Rosa Meininger | Graphic Matters 2019
You can visit The Palace from April 22 to June 18 on:
Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday/Holidays from 1 pm to 5 pm
On 18-5 and 21-5 open from 2 pm.
To make the exhibition as accessible as possible, we use the pay-what-you-like principle. After a visit, you choose how much you pay via a QR code.
The Grote Kerk can be found on the Grote Markt, right in the center of Breda.
Public transport – 7 minutes walk from Breda NS station.
(Public) bike – avoid a fine and park your bike in the parking Spanjaardsgat or Nieuwstraat.
Car – you can park nearby in garages De Prins and De Barones.
Buses – for group transportation you can safely get off at De Vlaszak (5 minutes walk) or the Stationslaan (10 minutes walk).
Photo: Joost van Asch
Would you like to combine your visit to Breda with other activities in the city and its surroundings? At www.welkominbreda.nl you will discover what to do and where to stay.
